In Iran’s Zagros, villagers fight oak forest fires the state cannot contain

In the rugged Zagros region of Iran, villagers have taken it upon themselves to combat devastating oak forest fires that the state appears unable to control effectively. These wildfires, which have been increasing in frequency and intensity, are consuming Iran’s largest oak landscape at an alarming rate, highlighting the government's failure to provide adequate protection. This situation underscores broader environmental and governance challenges, revealing a critical need for more robust firefighting resources and strategies. The villagers' proactive measures spotlight the urgent necessity for systemic change to prevent further ecological damage and loss of biodiversity.